Robots on the Move: 432 Mechanical Legs Shift a 7500-Ton Historical Building Complex in Shanghai

In Shanghai, China, a total of 432 robotic legs successfully relocated a cluster of historic buildings weighing 7,500 tons back to their original positions.

The maneuver was carried out at a pace of 10 meters per day, starting on May 19 and lasting for over two weeks.

Previously, the Shikumen-style structures were displaced to create room for the construction of an underground space at the Huayenli complex.

Shikumen is a style of residential architecture in Shanghai that emerged in the 1860s. It showcases a blend of Western and Chinese architectural elements.

Workers monitored any unusual deformations of the structures in real time, ensuring that the forces applied to the buildings were evenly distributed.

Low-clearance autonomous drilling robots, which can be remotely controlled, are capable of navigating through narrow doorways and hallways, allowing for foundational work within historical structures.

The project team employed building information modeling technologies and 3D point cloud scanning to generate detailed blueprints.

They also designed specialized excavator robots equipped with collapsible mechanical arms that can operate in spaces narrower than 1.2 meters, utilizing deep learning algorithms to differentiate between clay and obstacles.

The Huayenli complex was constructed in the early 20th century. The planned underground space is set to feature cultural and commercial establishments, over 100 parking spots, and a metro station.

Additionally, it is worth noting that in April 2025, 21 humanoid robots participated in a half marathon in Beijing, running alongside human competitors.